Tools for splitting straw

Object/Artifact

-

Waterperry Museum

Selection of wood and bone straw splitters

Selection of wood and bone straw splitters

Name/Title

Tools for splitting straw

Entry/Object ID

2025.1.181

Description

Handmade tools wooden handled tool with bone straw splitter

Context

During the Napoleonic Wars (1793-1815), 100,000 men women and children were prisoners of war in Britain. Some suffered by imprisonment in hulks at ports but others were allowed parole in 64 various towns. They had limits on their movement having to obey a curfew but were given an allowance and reasonable freedom. During their stay, some officers socialised, married, engaged in theatrical productions and started masonic lodges as places to communicate and socialise with friends. Anecdotally the straw these straw splitters are supposed to have been made by Prisoners of War between 1803-1809. The nearest local town that hosted some prisoners is Wantage, which is approximately 10 miles away.

Category

Country & Rural activities

Acquisition

Accession

2025.1

Source or Donor

Gordon Dempster

Acquisition Method

Transfer

Made/Created

Date made

circa 1801 - circa 1809

Dimensions

Length

90 mm

Weight

6.5 g

Dimension Notes

Measurements were between 7 - 10 cm. Vweight varied between 5 - 9 g.

Material

Wool, Bone

Location

* Untyped Location

C6S1

Condition

Overall Condition

Good

Web Links and URLs

Digitens - Parole towns in Britian